BREAKING: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday met ex-military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting amid growing political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The brief meeting, held at Babangida’s hilltop residence, has sparked speculation about opposition realignment and emerging coalitions, including talks around Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. Both leaders have remained silent on the visit.

#BreakingNews #Obasanjo #IBB #NigeriaPolitics #2027Elections

Jigawa Court Orders Arrest of DSS Officer Over Alleged Crimes Against Minor, Directs Police Investigation

A Magistrate Court in Hadejia, Jigawa State, has ordered the arrest of a Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Ifeanyi Festus, and directed the Nigeria Police Force to investigate alleged offences against a minor, following a petition filed by Abdulhadi Ibrahim. The court’s order, issued in Suit No: DCC/01/2026 and signed by His Worship Sadisu Musa Esq., signals the seriousness of the allegations and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.

The application for the arrest and investigation was moved by Mr. Kabiru Adamu Esq., alongside Babangida Garba Esq., acting as counsel to the applicant. They urged the court to invoke its powers under Section 125 and Section 102(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) to compel immediate action against the DSS officer.

In granting the application, the court directed the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Police Command, or the Deputy Director-General of the DSS to arrest the respondent. It also specifically mandated the Nigeria Police Force, Jigawa State Command, to conduct a discreet investigation into the alleged offences.

The court further issued an urgent directive to the DSS to immediately release the victim, identified as Walida Abdulhadi, and reunite her with her parents, emphasizing the protection of the minor as a matter of priority. The ruling highlights the legal mechanisms available to hold security personnel accountable when allegations of misconduct arise, even against agencies with high-level authority like the DSS.

Observers say the case raises critical questions about accountability, child protection, and oversight of security agencies in Nigeria. It also demonstrates the judiciary’s willingness to intervene in sensitive matters involving minors and ensure adherence to the law, regardless of the accused’s position or rank.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the DSS or the Jigawa State Police Command regarding the implementation of the arrest or investigation orders. Legal analysts suggest that swift compliance with the court’s directives will be a litmus test for both the DSS and police in upholding justice in cases involving vulnerable citizens.

The case continues to attract public attention, underlining the growing demand for transparency, rule of law, and protection of minors in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Who Is Illegally Selling Hostel Spaces at IBB University? Why IBBUL Is Warning Students, Investigating Racketeers, and Threatening Sanctions Over Exploitation of Freshers

Who is behind the illegal sale of hostel spaces at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai—and how are unsuspecting students being exploited? Why has the university stepped in with stern warnings, investigations, and threats of punishment? And what does this mean for students struggling to secure accommodation amid rising demand?

IBB University, Niger State, has raised the alarm over what it describes as a growing and disturbing practice in which individuals and organised groups allegedly hijack hostel spaces and resell them to students at inflated prices. According to the institution, these activities typically target vulnerable students—especially freshers—who are desperate for accommodation at the beginning of academic sessions when hostel demand is highest.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar (Information), Alhaji Baba Akote, the university condemned the practice as exploitative and fraudulent. He explained that some individuals deliberately secure official hostel allocations only to turn around and sell them illegally at exorbitant rates, effectively profiting from students’ desperation and undermining the university’s accommodation system.

How exactly does the scheme work? The university says these groups identify periods of high demand, corner available hostel spaces, and then offer them to students at prices far above approved rates—often misleading students into believing the transactions are legitimate. For many new students unfamiliar with campus processes, the trap is easy to fall into.

What action is the university taking? IBBUL has directed its Student Affairs Division to launch a full investigation aimed at identifying and exposing those involved. University authorities insist that the matter will not be treated lightly and that all culprits will be held accountable.

What are the consequences? In a strong warning, the management made it clear that both sellers and buyers of illegally traded hostel spaces will face disciplinary action. The university says “stringent measures” are being prepared to deter the practice and restore transparency and fairness in the hostel allocation process.

But will this crackdown be enough to end racketeering on campus? As students continue to grapple with accommodation shortages, many are asking whether the investigation will uncover the networks behind the scheme—and whether enforcement will finally stop the exploitation that has quietly flourished for years.

At the heart of the issue lies a pressing question for students and parents alike: can universities protect their communities from internal profiteering, or will desperate housing needs continue to be used as a tool for exploitation?

PDP Plans Strategic Meetings with Peter Obi, Atiku, and Key Powerbrokers Ahead of 2027 Elections”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to engage with former presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other influential political figures as part of its strategy to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made by Emmanuel Ogidi, PDP South-South Chairman, during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday.
Ogidi revealed that the party has already begun consultations with key political actors, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), to signal that the PDP remains relevant despite internal challenges. He stressed that meetings with Obi and Atiku, both former PDP stalwarts now aligned with other political platforms, are part of a deliberate effort to reconnect with major opposition figures.
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar were previously PDP vice presidential and presidential candidates in the 2019 and 2023 elections, respectively. The outreach reflects the PDP’s commitment to unifying opposition voices and strengthening its democratic credentials.
The PDP’s efforts coincide with ongoing preparations for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections. On Tuesday, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. Led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, the delegation received Jonathan’s assurance of continued loyalty and active support for the PDP.
Turaki described the former president’s commitment as “very reassuring and encouraging”, highlighting the PDP’s determination to reorganize, strengthen internal cohesion, and mobilize key political actors ahead of critical upcoming elections.
The PDP’s outreach initiative is viewed as a strategic move to solidify its relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape, heal internal divisions, and present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the years leading up to the 2027 polls.

IBB Rejects Bandits’ Surrender

Former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has urged the Federal Government to reject any surrender offers from bandits.

He said bandits should be fully neutralised through decisive military action, not dialogue, warning the military not to give room for surrender.

Seven Gombe Residents Die in Tragic Road Crash While Traveling to Wedding in Maiduguri

Seven residents of Lawanti community in Gombe State lost their lives in a fatal road accident on Saturday while traveling to a wedding in Maiduguri, Borno State. The tragedy affected multiple families, including community leaders such as the District Head of Jalingo, Bello Hassan Babangida, who lost his sister and niece. Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as “painful and devastating,” offering prayers for the bereaved families and calling for strength during this difficult time.

EFCC Denies Illegally Detaining Ex-AGF Malami

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that it is illegally detaining former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, insisting that no bail order has been served on the agency.

In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on December 24, 2025, EFCC’s lead counsel, Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, described reports suggesting an ex-parte bail order in Malami’s favor as misleading, bizarre, and professionally irresponsible. Okutepa explained that these claims originated from a press release by someone claiming to be Malami’s aide.

He clarified that:

No court order granting Malami bail has been served on EFCC or its law firm.

The existing remand order by Justice S.C. Oriji of FCT High Court No. 2, dated December 10, 2025, remains valid. This order remanded Malami in EFCC custody for 14 days pending investigation.

Despite knowing this, Malami’s legal team filed a fresh bail application before another court in Nyanya, alleging unlawful detention. This application was dismissed by Justice Babangida Hassan on December 18, 2025, who confirmed that Malami was lawfully detained.


Okutepa also criticized attempts to seek ex-parte bail before Justice Bello Kawu without disclosing prior court orders, calling it an abuse of judicial process.

He emphasized that the clarification aims to prevent public misinformation, reaffirming that Malami is being detained under valid and subsisting court orders.

This statement comes amid ongoing allegations against Malami involving money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets, which remain under investigation by the EFCC.

INEC Hosts PDP Factions

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has met with the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at its headquarters in Abuja.

The meetings aims at resolving the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP.

Chairman of the Commission Prof. Joash Amupitan says INEC has the responsibility in line with its mandate to resolve issues within political parties especially ahead of the FCT area councils election, Ekiti and Osun off cycle governorship elections.

On the entourage of the kabiru Turaki led national working committee is BoT chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Governor of Niger state Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, among others.

The Abdulrahaman Mohammed-led national working committee is accompanying by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Captain Umar Bature and a host of others.

BREAKING: Abuja Court Dismisses Former AGF Abubakar Malami’s Bail Application As EFCC Intensifies Probe Over Alleged $16.9million Abacha Loot Scam

An Abuja court has dismissed a bail application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), challenging his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency confirmed that Justice Babangida Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory Court declined the request for bail. The ruling comes amid ongoing EFCC investigations into multiple petitions accusing Malami of abuse of office, money laundering and alleged involvement in a $16.9 million legal fees fraud linked to the recovery of the late General Sani Abacha’s loot.

Nigeria Dangerously Sliding Into One-Party State Under APC, Ex-Niger Governor Babangida Aliyu Warns PDP Leaders

Former Niger State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Former Governors’ Forum, Babangida Aliyu, has warned that Nigeria is systematically drifting toward a one-party state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at an interactive meeting between the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the Former Ministers’ Forum, Aliyu expressed concern over shrinking political space, induced defections, and the alleged weaponisation of state institutions against opposition voices. He described these developments as a direct threat to democracy and citizens’ freedoms. Aliyu reaffirmed the support of former PDP governors for the party’s new leadership under National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), who in turn defended the PDP’s 16-year record in government, citing economic reforms, debt relief, institutional strengthening, and anti-corruption frameworks as evidence of competent governance. Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau also endorsed the NWC, urging it to sustain efforts at rebuilding and repositioning the opposition party.

“Armed Robbery in Uniform”: Borno Ginger Farmer Accuses Police, NSCDC of Illegal Detention and Extortion Over ₦8.9 Million Sale Dispute

A ginger farmer and trader, Babangida Aliyu Kafanchan, has accused officers of the Borno State Police Crack Squad and a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer of unlawful detention, intimidation, and extortion following a commercial dispute over the sale of ginger worth ₦8.9 million. Babangida alleged he was detained for 11 days, threatened, denied access to his phone, and coerced into refunding money despite delivering the goods, which were allegedly resold by the buyer. He further claimed that ₦3 million was collected from his relatives without his consent and that police officers extorted an additional ₦600,000, describing the incident as “armed robbery in uniform.” He has called for an independent investigation into the alleged abuse of power.

BREAKING: Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has urged Northern leaders to reclaim the region’s core values of humility, unity and service, warning that rising insecurity and socio-economic challenges threaten its stability and development.

President Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Below is the full list of appointed chairmen, executive directors, and members:

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (UBEC) BOARD
- Chairman: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (retained)

- South East Representative: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem

- South South Representative: Gift Ngo

- South West Representative: Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola

- North East Representative: Dr Meiro Mandara

- North West Representative: Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa

- North Central Representative: Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

(Term: 4 years in the first instance)

BANK OF AGRICULTURE (BOA)

- Chairman: Muhammad Babangida

- Managing Director/CEO: Ayo Sotinrin

Executive Directors
- Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Executive Director, Corporate Services

- Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy

- Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Executive Director, Operations

Non-Executive Directors
- Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East
- Charles Amuchienwa – South East
- Oladejo Odunuga – South West
- Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West
- Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF) BOARD
- Executive Secretary/CEO (previously appointed): Muhammad Abu Ibrahim

- Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido (North West)

Members
- Dr Nelson Henry Essien – South South (Akwa Ibom)
- Amina Ahmed Habib – North West (Jigawa)
- Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola – South West (Ondo)
- Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman – North East (Borno)
- Lufer Samson Orkar – North Central (Benue)
- Felix Achibiri – South East (Imo)

The appointments take immediate effect.

Tinubu Appoints New Boards for NADF, UBEC and Bank of Agriculture

President Bola Tinubu has approved new boards for three major federal institutions — the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). According to a statement by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the July appointment of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura as UBEC chairman remains unchanged, with additional zonal representatives appointed. For the Bank of Agriculture, Tinubu reaffirmed earlier appointments, including Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director, alongside new executive and non-executive directors from all geopolitical zones. The NADF board was also fully constituted, with Bello Maccido named chairman and other members appointed to represent various zones, completing the agency’s leadership structure.

Tinubu Constitutes Boards of NADF, Bank of Agriculture, UBEC

…Appoints Chairmen, Executive Directors, Zonal Representatives

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), with appointments reflecting federal character and professional expertise.

Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as Chairman of the UBEC Board.

New zonal representatives appointed to the board are:

South East: Uchendu Ikechi

Mbaegbulem
South South:

Gift Ngo
South West:

Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola
North East:

Dr Meiro Mandara
North West:

Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa
North Central:

Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

The Chairman and members shall serve an initial four-year term.

Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
President Tinubu confirmed the earlier appointments of Muhammad Babangida as Chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Three Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors were also named:

Executive Directors
Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Corporate Services

Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Risk Management and Strategy
Hakeem

Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Operations

Non-Executive Directors

Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East

Charles Amuchienwa – South East

Oladejo Odunuga – South West

Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West

Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
Mallam Bello Maccido, pioneer Chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited with over 30 years’ experience in financial services, was appointed Chairman of the NADF Board (representing North West).

Other board members include:

Dr Nelson Henry Essien (Akwa Ibom/South South) – Financial Consultant and Seasoned Banker

Amina Ahmed Habib (Jigawa/North West) – Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants

Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (Ondo/South West) – Engineer and Businessman

Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (Borno/North East) – Founder, New Frontier Developments Ltd; former Non-Executive Director, Access Bank

Lufer Samson Orkar (Benue/North Central)

Felix Achibiri (Imo/South East) – Group Director, Genesis Energy Holdings; Chairman/CEO, DFC Holdings Limited

The appointments follow the October 2023 naming of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF.

The new boards are expected to drive agricultural financing, rural development, and universal basic education delivery across the country.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES PROFESSOR JERRY GANA AT 80

President Bola Tinubu congratulates statesman, academician, and politician Professor Jerry Gana on his 80th birthday.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy indicates that President Tinubu acknowledges Professor Gana's decades of active service in Nigeria's socio-political landscape. He served as a two-time Minister of Information and Culture/National Orientation under different administrations and as Director of Mass Mobilisation for Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) under the Ibrahim Babangida administration.

He was elected to the Senate in the aborted Second Republic.

President Tinubu describes Professor Gana as a fine gentleman, a prolific communicator, a mass mobiliser, and a passionate patriot blessed with the gift of oratory.

The President recalls the former Minister's mass mobilisation and sensitisation efforts for unity, peace, and national development, and commends his contributions to advancing Nigeria's values and ideals.

The President wishes Professor Gana a happy 80th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him many more years of good health and a sound mind.

Man arrested after disguising as woman to gain entry into female hostel.

A male student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), was reportedly apprehended after disguising as a woman in an attempt to sneak into the female hostel.

The incident, which occurred on campus, caused a stir among students before security personnel intervened and caught the suspect.

Man arrested after disguising as woman to gain entry into female hostel
Man nabbed trying to enter female hostel.

Man plays ‘dressup’
It was gathered that the man had reportedly tried to gain entrance into the female hostel while wearing a lady’s dress.

However he was caught and bundled out by the security men.

Security sets him free

It was further alleged that after his apprehension, he was sent to the security office where he was grilled and later set free.

He was seen in the trending video still wearing the female clothing and being ferried away on a bike while some aggrieved menfolk tried to have a go at him.

Postgraduate Student Arrested for Criticising Niger Governor on Facebook.

A postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Abubakar Isah Mokwa, has been arrested by the police for allegedly criticising Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State on Facebook.

Mokwa, a student of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension, was picked up by police from his off-campus residence in Lapai on Thursday.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said Mokwa was detained following a complaint bordering on cyber-related offences.

“The Niger State Police Command received a criminal complaint bordering on cyber bullying, cyber stalking and other Cybercrime related offences against one Abubakar Isah Mokwa, 29yrs, of Mokwa, and a postgraduate student of IBBUL,” Abiodun said.

He added that the suspect was “invited and arrested by the Lapai Division on 23rd October, 2025, at about 11pm and transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters, Minna for further investigation.”

According to him, “the suspect is in custody and further development will be made public.”

This arrest adds to a growing list of incidents involving the Niger State government and critics of Governor Bago.

In August, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station in Minna, over alleged criticism of the governor.

Reacting to the latest arrest, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria condemned what it described as “a growing pattern of repression against the press under Governor Bago’s leadership.”

“In January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha, the Niger State correspondent for Peoples Daily and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, was detained for three days after allegedly circulating an article critical of the governor’s media adviser,” IPI recalled.

“Similarly, in November 2023, Mustapha Nasiru Batsari, the Niger State correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA), was reportedly assaulting by a commissioner in Governor Bago’s cabinet after requesting an interview regarding a violent clash between farmers in Beji,” it added.

Tinubu Grants Posthumous Pardon to Late Major General Mamman Vatsa

The family of Major General Mamman Vatsa has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu following the posthumous pardon of the celebrated poet and senior military officer, nearly 39 years after his execution.

Vatsa, executed in 1986 after being convicted by a secret military tribunal for allegedly plotting a coup against then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, was finally cleared through the exercise of presidential clemency, alongside Herbert Macaulay and other notable figures.

In a statement from Minna, Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, family spokesperson and former state Commissioner for Information, described the pardon as “the greatest moment of relief since the general’s death.”

He said:

“Today is the happiest moment in the life of the family after 39 years of sorrow and sadness following the killing of our late father, brother and uncle. Though nothing can bring him back to life, the family is consoled by this display of statesmanship by our dear president. He has written his name in gold, and history will forever remember him.”


Jonathan emphasized that the family has long maintained Vatsa’s innocence, calling the coup charge a “frame-up” and the trial a “stage-managed process” fueled by envy and hatred. He added:

“Justice can never be denied but can only be delayed. The family is convinced that the late Vatsa must be happy in his grave today by this singular act of compassion by President Tinubu. This goes to show that truth doesn’t expire.”


He also recalled that General Domkat Bali, a member of the military council at the time, had publicly questioned the evidence against Vatsa and whether execution was justified.

While some of Vatsa’s closest relatives, including his wife and several children, are no longer alive to witness the pardon, the surviving family members celebrated being part of this historic moment.

“The family still maintains that the late General Vatsa was innocent of the coup. But we thank President Tinubu for his magnanimity in granting him the state pardon,” Jonathan concluded.

Tinubu Grants Presidential Pardon for Herbert Macaulay,  175 Nigerians

On Thursday, the Council of State approved the exercise of the presidential prerogative of mercy for 175 persons across different categories.

The decision followed a presentation by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s recommendations based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy during the council meeting held at the State House, Abuja.

Although the full list of beneficiaries is yet to be released, pardons were granted to Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s nationalist icon, and Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.), a former FCT minister, was executed in 1986 under the Babangida regime. Members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four were also named among the beneficiaries.

Macaulay, regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism, was twice jailed by the British colonial authorities — in 1913 for alleged fund misappropriation and in 1928 for sedition following his newspaper’s publication during the Eleko of Lagos crisis. Historians have long questioned the fairness of his convictions.

Vatsa, a poet and member of the Supreme Military Council, was executed by firing squad for an alleged coup attempt, a case that has remained controversial for decades, with repeated calls for a posthumous pardon.

Of the 175 approved cases, 82 inmates received full pardons, 65 had their sentences reduced, while seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the decision reflects President Tinubu’s “commitment to justice, fairness, and correctional reform.”

The meeting, chaired by the President, also ratified key appointments, including Dr Aminu Yusuf from Niger State as Chairman of the National Population Commission and Tonge Bularafa as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State. 

Both nominations were unanimously endorsed.